Pinarayi to lead LDF in 2026, CPM yet to decide on two-term rule for MLAs: MV Govindan
Govindan also said the party has not yet decided on the two-term limit for sitting MLAs, which would affect their eligibility to enter the fray.
Govindan also said the party has not yet decided on the two-term limit for sitting MLAs, which would affect their eligibility to enter the fray.
Govindan also said the party has not yet decided on the two-term limit for sitting MLAs, which would affect their eligibility to enter the fray.
Kochi: With just seven months remaining for the Assembly elections in Kerala and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) eyeing a historic third term, CPM state secretary MV Govindan on Friday confirmed that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will once again lead the alliance in the coming battle of ballot. While Govindan did not state whether Vijayan will contest, he clarified that Pinarayi Vijayan can lead an election campaign even without being a candidate.
Govindan also said the party has not yet decided on the two-term limit for sitting MLAs, which would affect their eligibility to enter the fray. However, he confirmed that he himself will not be contesting the Assembly polls.
He made the statements during a heated debate with KPCC president Sunny Joseph at the Manorama News Conclave 2025, held at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre in Kochi on Friday.
“Pinarayi Vijayan is the most popular leader of CPM, not just in Kerala but across India. So, without any doubt, I can say he will lead the alliance in the election. Whether he would contest or not is yet to be decided, but a person can lead an election without contesting. The two-term rule for MLAs has not been discussed yet,” he said.
Sunny Joseph took a jibe at Govindan, suggesting that his announcement showed Vijayan's supremacy, outshining the party leadership. Joseph stated that Congress leaders will lead the alliance together and the High Command and state leadership will jointly decide who will be the Chief Minister.
Govindan hit back, challenging Joseph to name the UDF’s leader. “Nationally, they say Rahul Gandhi will lead them in the polls instead of saying all leaders will lead together. But in Kerala, can you say whether V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, or KC Venugopal will lead the alliance,” Govindan asked. Joseph evaded the question, only stating that he has not decided ‘not to contest’.
On the issue of MPs contesting in the Assembly polls, Govindan confirmed that LDF's sole MP, K Radhakrishnan, would not contest. Joseph, however, said the decision on Congress MPs would be made by the leadership later. “News about Congress MPs planning to contest in the Assembly polls is baseless and created by the media. The media should not tempt our MPs,” Joseph said.
Rahul Mamkootathil’s resignation
The two leaders also sparred over Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil stepping down as Youth Congress president. Joseph claimed Mamkootathil’s resignation was purely on moral grounds. “I did not demand his resignation and he did it upholding his moral values without any FIRs being registered against him. His decision was a model for all and it boosted Congress’s confidence in winning the polls,” Joseph said.
However, Govindan countered that the allegations against Mamkootathil were not baseless and that there was clear evidence. “V D Satheesan was aware of the issue earlier, but instead of taking action, the Congress promoted Mamkootathil as Youth Congress president and an MLA,” Govindan said.
‘BJP is CPM’s main opponent’
Govindan also stated that the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh are CPM’s most powerful opponents in Kerala. “BJP won an Assembly and a Lok Sabha seat in Kerala because Congress supporters voted for them. The Congress should be the one leading the fight against the BJP nationally, but if they are not doing their job effectively, BJP’s neo-Fascist actions will grow,” Govindan said.